water testing question

[Midwestdude]

Back with another water testing question. This may be a preference thing.

What's the general process you all use when testing water chemistry? I test mine pool side (usually standing in the pool but away from steps or areas of low circulation), gathering a fresh sample of water for each test being sure to invert the tube or container and gathering water samples from well below the surface. I've seen videos where people use a large bottle to gather sample water, and then use that to pour into whatever tube/container is needed for each test rather than getting a sample each time. I've been wondering if this might be the better way to do it. It would allow me to sit at a dry table and conduct the tests and not have to worry about moisture or unwanted water possibly interfering with the results.

 

[Bperry]

Back with another water testing question. This may be a preference thing.

What's the general process you all use when testing water chemistry? I test mine pool side (usually standing in the pool but away from steps or areas of low circulation), gathering a fresh sample of water for each test being sure to invert the tube or container and gathering water samples from well below the surface. I've seen videos where people use a large bottle to gather sample water, and then use that to pour into whatever tube/container is needed for each test rather than getting a sample each time. I've been wondering if this might be the better way to do it. It would allow me to sit at a dry table and conduct the tests and not have to worry about moisture or unwanted water possibly interfering with the results.

I take a big measuring cup outside and fill it with an 18” PVC pipe that I dip under the water and put my finger over the hole to keep the water in (like a soda straw) until I get it over the big cup. Then I go inside where its not 90F and 1000% humidity.

 

[Orion7319]

Back with another water testing question. This may be a preference thing.

What's the general process you all use when testing water chemistry? I test mine pool side (usually standing in the pool but away from steps or areas of low circulation), gathering a fresh sample of water for each test being sure to invert the tube or container and gathering water samples from well below the surface. I've seen videos where people use a large bottle to gather sample water, and then use that to pour into whatever tube/container is needed for each test rather than getting a sample each time. I've been wondering if this might be the better way to do it. It would allow me to sit at a dry table and conduct the tests and not have to worry about moisture or unwanted water possibly interfering with the results.

I have a table by the pool and a few large sample bottles that the previous home owners had acquired at our local pool store (Sukas! lol) I use one of these to get the water because my back is shot and I don’t like bending over. I would never stand in the pool and do the tests. That sounds like asking for trouble.

Amazon.com

 

[Midwestdude]

I think I'll start going the route of gathering one larger sample of water vs a fresh sample of water, it would make the process quicker and easier. I'm really bad at dumping out just the right amount of water to get my sample in the tube at the correct fill line it gets frustrating lol. My only concerns about getting a larger sample in a container was possible contamination or degradation of the pool water in my sample. After years of just winging it and getting lucky more times than not, this season I've worked on fine tuning my methods and being more consistent and proactive in my pool's chemistry and care. Aside from an early season bout with mustard algae my pool has been crystal clear and inviting with the confidence in knowing it's balanced.

 

[Orion7319]

I use this thing to get the water samples just right. It only seems to work with the Taylor sample tubes though and not the ones that come with the TF test kits

Amazon.com

 

[TinFoilHat]

Just use a squeeze bottle with a pointed top on it. A flip top is better to seal the bottle while carrying it. I use my old Leslies sample squirt bottle and take my sample from 12-18 in under the water leaning over the side of the pool.

 

[Newdude]

No matter how you do it, nothing appreciable will change whether you test reasonably right away indoors or outdoors.

The CYA test needs overhead sun. Feel free to bring the rest inside if it's not such a perfect day you want to be outside.

 

[proavia]

Consistency is key.

CYA needs to be done outdoors in bright sun - back to the sun.
Other tests can be done outdoors or indoors - pick one and stick with it.

I choose indoors (except CYA), near the kitchen sink with the overhead lights on.
I use a free bottle I got from a local pool store.
I also have a 10ml syringe that's for kids medicine I got at the drug store. Makes measuring easy.
Using a SpeedStir adds to the consistency and accuracy.

The sample sizer listed above works with the Taylor branded vials. Not sure if it works with the other vials. To me, it isn't worth the price to save a couple seconds when testing. Others wouldn't be without it.

 

[SJPoe]

Squeeze Bottle (old CYA test bottle)
Plastic Bowl
PVC Sample Pipe/Straw (a la @Bperry )
Smart Stir

I do all of mine on the top of the built in shelving next to the door to the patio, other than the CYA test that I mix up and then take outside.
Typically around 10ish in the morning
Always pull the sample from the same spot in the pool too

Consistency and repeatability make all the difference.

 

[Bperry]

I think I'll start going the route of gathering one larger sample of water vs a fresh sample of water, it would make the process quicker and easier. I'm really bad at dumping out just the right amount of water to get my sample in the tube at the correct fill line it gets frustrating lol. My only concerns about getting a larger sample in a container was possible contamination or degradation of the pool water in my sample. After years of just winging it and getting lucky more times than not, this season I've worked on fine tuning my methods and being more consistent and proactive in my pool's chemistry and care. Aside from an early season bout with mustard algae my pool has been crystal clear and inviting with the confidence in knowing it's balanced.

I went an got a medicine dropper at walgreens and then I just suck up 30ml or so and it dispenses the 10 or 25ml amounts pretty easy.

 

[pjt]

Two foot length of ½" PVC pipe ($2).

Use it like a big straw. Put your thumb over one end, dip the other end ~18" below the surface, momentarily release your thumb and the pipe fills with water, put your thumb back on, and extract the water filled pipe.

Empty the pipe's water into a plastic condiment bottle ($1). Makes dispensing sample water very easy and precise. Arm stays dry too.